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Leaving a legacy in the name of a loved one
For McGill Law students, the name of our late alumnus Paul Harris, BComm’72, BCL’76, LLB’78, will become a powerful expression of the ways in which alumni care deeply about their success. We look at how a family chose to honour their loved one’s memory by supporting the next generations of McGill jurists.
PAUL HARRIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Paul Harris
In memory of Paul Harris, BCom’72, BCL’76, LLB’78, a former partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, friends, colleagues and family wanted to honour the quality by which he was best remembered.
“Our father was a skilled and accomplished lawyer, but what differentiated him and made him so esteemed were his relationships — the bonds and trust he formed with his clients, the time he spent nurturing and mentoring young attorneys, and the way he prioritized and loved his family despite a demanding career,” shares his daughter, Michelle Luft.
“After his passing, we received an overwhelming number of messages from former colleagues, clients and friends relaying stories about the deep impact our father had on them and their careers,” recounts his son, Ken Harris. “Simply put, he cared about people and he gave the best advice. This sentiment was consistent in all the wonderful memories that have been shared with us.” His other son, Andrew Harris, a young attorney himself, noted that “this scholarship is very meaningful to our family, as it is intended to continue our father’s legacy of nurturing and helping young talent.”
Through an initiative launched by his good friend Allen Rubin, who also led the fund-raising efforts, Harris’ colleagues and loved ones donated over $125,000 to endow a BCL/JD entrance scholarship for students of outstanding merit. The scholarship will be awarded to candidates who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in mentorship, community engagement or helping others.
The Faculty of Law wishes to express its gratitude to volunteer Allen Rubin and to all donors who supported the Paul Harris Memorial Scholarship.
